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Breast Implant Removal

Beautify Enhance Renew

Millions of women have made the choice to get breast implants; many of whom remain pleased with their breast augmentation decision for years to come. However, some women experience dissatisfaction with their implants, whether it is due to the specifications of the chosen implant, a physical complication, or the fear of potential health concerns.

Breast implant removal physically removes the implants and the surrounding capsule known as en-bloc removal, completely removing the surrounding scar tissue.  Whether the decision is to return to an all-natural appearance or lifting the breast tissue known as a mastopexy, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Grazer can help guide your decision during your consultation.

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What Are Your Needs?

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Change in Implant Shape and Size


Many women feel as though they know what they are looking for in their augmentation before their surgery. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to predict whether the size, shape, or texture of the implant is the right implant for you in the long run. Some women regret that they did not select larger, more substantial implants, while others decide their implants are too large and cumbersome for their body frame or lifestyle. Breast implant removal allows patients to change the size, shape, or texture of their implants. It also allows them to repair breast asymmetry or misshapen implants.

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Repair of a Damaged Implant


Implant complications are the main reasons for breast implant removal. Breast implants are long lasting and durable; however, they are not guaranteed to be permanent. There are many different conditions that can develop:

  • Capsular contracture develops when the surrounding scar tissue squeezes the implant, causing pain and distortion.
  • Implant rupture occurs when the implant shell splits open, releasing the content into the body.
  • Double bubble deformity can cause malposition of the breast implant. These positioning issues develop when the implant moves out of the designated breast pocket.

Breast implant removal surgery can correct these conditions.

Alleviation of Breast Implant Illness


While most women choose to remove their implants for cosmetic reasons or to repair a damaged implant, some women want to part ways with their implants to preserve their long-term health. Although many women experience no problems with their breast implants, some women experience troublesome side effects that are assumed to be linked to the implants.

Breast implant illness is the name given to chest pain, headache, fatigue, joint pain, memory fog, anxiety, and rash that have no other explainable causes. A new concern about breast implants is the correlation between textured implants and ALCL, a rare form of lymphoma that may develop in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. While these conditions are rare, some women would prefer to remove their implants permanently, just in case.

Designing Your Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure that is performed frequently by Dr. Grazer. Patients are usually placed under general anesthesia to ensure a comfortable and painless process. He performs breast implant removal procedures at his private surgery center, The Newport Coast Outpatient Surgery Center. This facility is dedicated to aesthetic cases only, reducing the risk of contamination often seen at hospitals and multi-specialty surgery centers.

The affected implants and scar tissue are removed from the breast pocket, eliminating the silicone. Depending on your preference and body type, a lifting procedure known as a mastopexy can be performed at the same time.

Breast Implant Removal and Replacement

Following the removal of the damaged or unwanted implant, a healthy replacement can be added into the breast pocket. This implant can be of the same size, shape, and texture, or it can be swapped for alternate specifications. Occasionally, some women remove the implant and opt for fat transfer to the breast over a new implant.

Breast Implant Removal and Breast Lift

Women with larger implants or those who had their implants for many years often discover that the permanent removal results in breast ptosis (sagging). If the patient is not receiving a new implant, breast lift surgery is usually performed in combination with breast implant removal to restore a youthful and elevated aesthetic to the breasts. During this procedure, the breast tissue will be tightened and the excess skin trimmed.

Additional Information

Recovery

The recovery after your breast implant removal will be similar to that of your initial breast augmentation. You will be wrapped in a compression garment that should be worn continuously for a few days or a few weeks before you move to a supportive sports bra. Patients can expect mild to moderate bruising and swelling, which will be lessened by the compression garment.

Any discomfort can be remedied with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication, and most of this discomfort fades after the first 48 hours. Many women can return to work after one to two weeks but should refrain from lifting anything heavy for four to six weeks.

Scars

Scarring will likely develop along the incision sites. If your initial augmentation was performed through the breast crease, there would be no additional scarring; however, if your implants were placed through a different method, a scar will develop along the crease. This scar is easily hidden with bras or swimwear, and all scars will lose their color with time.

Cost

The cost of your breast implant removal will vary depending on several factors. You will be given a cost estimate during your consultation that will factor in the location, surgical variations, anesthesia, facility, and surgical fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are you a candidate for breast implant removal?

    Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smoking women who are displeased with the appearance or the health of their breast implants. Women are not required to replace their implants or combine their removal with any other surgical procedure.

  • Are there any potential long-term side effects?

    Breast implant removal is safe and simple; however, as with any surgical procedure, risks are present. These risks include:

    • Reactions to anesthesia
    • Infection
    • Bleeding
    • Prolonged bruising and swelling
    • Blood clots
    • Fluid accumulation
    • Delayed wound healing
    • Scarring

    You can reduce your risk by following all of Dr. Grazer’s pre- and post-operative instructions.

  • Are there benefits to not replacing your implants?

    Choosing to replace your implants is a personal decision. Some women experiencing discomfort discover that their symptoms lessen after their implants are gone. However, other women are unsatisfied with the additional sagging caused by the lessening of the breast volume.

  • Can I choose to have implants placed again later on?

    Of course. Implants can always be added down the line; however, it is important to remember that there are still risks associated with surgery, and an additional surgical procedure may result in more scarring.